The May 28 flood left the city with a lot of loss and has caused a lot of stress.
After hearing of the devastation from many of their clients and seeing the impact the flood has had, the Insurance Brokers Association of Northwestern Ontario is hosting a Community Fun Day at Minnesota Park on Aug. 1.
“What we’re trying to do is get the community together, have a fun, free day and take their mind off of everything that’s happened in the last month and a half and focus going forward on the rest of the summer,” said Mark Gleeson, event chairman.
When the flood hit Thunder Bay and the city’s sewer treatment plant backed up into the homes of countless residents it was just before summer started.
People haven’t had the chance to enjoy the summer days yet because they’re still recovering from the loss, said Jeff Jones, president of the Insurance Brokers Association of Northwestern Ontario.
“I think this (day) will have a big impact. I think people need to get out of the homes and relax and enjoy summer,” he said.
“The Insurance Brokers Association, what we’re trying to get out of this is we want to give back to the community. We are all independent insurance brokers that are part of the association here. We just want to give back to the people who have supported us in the past,” Jones added.
The event is open to the general public and runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Insurance Brokers Association partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay for the event. There will be inflatables, a dunk tank and skate park on site as well as live entertainment and a free barbeque.
Spring Street will be shut down on Aug. 1 for the duration of the Fun Day.